Sliding Nozzle Coupling Position Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling position switching mechanisms for sliding nozzle apparatuses are inefficient, structurally complex, and costly due to the need for frequent insertion and removal of coupling pins and the use of guide pieces, which also increase the size and stress on components under high temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A coupling position switching mechanism that uses a groove-shaped recess and a through-hole configuration for the slide metal frame and drive unit coupling portions, allowing for efficient switching without the need for frequent pin insertion and removal, and eliminating the need for guide pieces, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a coupling pin insertion and removal mechanism is used to switch coupling positions, then the coupling position can be changed between casting operation and surface pressure applying/releasing operation, but the operation efficiency deteriorates due to frequent pin insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static pin insertion system to a dynamic selective engagement system. The drive unit rod is designed with two distinct coupling positions that can be selectively engaged with the slide metal frame coupling portion through a simplified coupling member, allowing dynamic switching without complex pin insertion and removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex pin insertion and removal mechanism from the coupling position switching system. By using a simplified coupling member that can engage with either of two coupling positions on the drive unit rod, the system removes the inefficient pin handling operations while maintaining the necessary adaptability for different operating modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If guide pieces with multiple coupling holes and positioning surfaces are used, then coupling position switching is enabled, but the device structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely removes the guide piece component from the coupling position switching mechanism. Instead of using a complex guide piece with multiple coupling holes and positioning surfaces, the system achieves coupling position switching through a simplified arrangement where the drive unit rod has two coupling positions that can be directly engaged by a simple coupling member.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive unit rod is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the driving force for the slide metal frame and simultaneously offers two coupling positions for selective engagement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate guide pieces and coupling mechanisms, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining switching capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If guide pieces with extended coupling structures are used, then coupling position switching is achieved, but the component size increases and stress concentration occurs under high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the bulky guide piece structure from the system. By eliminating this extended coupling structure, the overall size of the moving components is reduced, and the risk of stress concentration under high temperature conditions is minimized.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a large, extended guide piece structure, the invention concentrates the coupling functionality at specific local positions on the drive unit rod. The two coupling positions are provided as localized features on the rod, reducing the overall volume while maintaining the necessary coupling functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling position switching mechanism capable of improving efficiency of a coupling position switching operation, while realizing structural simplification, and reductions in size and cost. A first coupling portion consisting of one of a slide metal frame-side coupling portion and a drive unit-side coupling portion is formed with a groove-shaped recess and a through-hole in this order from the side of a distal end of the first coupling portion, and a second coupling portion consisting of the remaining one of the slide metal frame-side coupling portion and the drive unit-side coupling portion is formed with the through-hole. The first and second coupling portions are configured such that, during a casting operation, they are coupled together by a coupling pin inserted into the through-hole of the first coupling portion and the through-hole of the second coupling portion, and during surface pressure-applying/releasing operation, they are coupled together by a second coupling pin inserted into the groove-shaped recess of the first coupling portion and the through-hole of the second coupling portion.